Taurasi, Mercury’s leader, praises Clark’s Fever victory performance

Caitlin helped the Fever defeat the Mercury on Sunday despite a migraine. She was one rebound short of a triple-double, the first by a WNBA rookie.

By Michael Voepel

Jun 30, 2024 10:22 PM

Phoenix — Despite a migraine, Caitlin Caitlin Caitlin delivered Sunday despite being under pressure from Phoenix’s defense. The Fever’s guard was one rebound shy of a triple-double, which would have marked the first by a WNBA debutant. Indiana defeated the Mercury 88-82.

The match pitted “The GOAT”, Mercury Diana Taurasi, against Clark – the 42-year-old legend who has won five Olympic Golds and three WNBA Championships. The 22-year-old Clark was playing his first game in Phoenix.

The Fever were a large part of the 17,071 attendees at this sold out event. It is not unusual for Clark and Indiana to have fans be happy that their team was going home, despite losing 17-4 during the first half. The Fever were also down by 11 points at halftime and up to 15 in the second.

Clark was ill and did not attend the press conference after the game. She spoke briefly to ESPN’s Christine Williamson.

Clark stated, “I’m just happy we won.” Clark had 15 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. “

Taurasi is the top scorer of all time in the WNBA. Clark, who is in her 20th year of playing basketball, ended her Iowa career in early April as Division I’s women or men’s top scorer.

Taurasi, the WNBA rookie in 2004, was the same. Clark’s reputation was greatly affected before social media and NIL deals.

After the game on Sunday, Taurasi praised Clark.

Taurasi said, “It’s amazing what Caitlin was able to do in such a brief time.” “I love how passionate she is about the game. She has worked hard and she continues to improve every time she plays.

“Her future looks bright, and as an experienced veteran in the league who has played for so long, I find it cool to be able see this and to look forward. “

Taurasi, the oldest WNBA player and best example of a defender is the most successful. Natasha Cloud, another guard with 15 points and seven assists, was also in the game and had 19 points. Brittney Grinder, a center from Phoenix, led the scoring with 24 points.

The Fever won the rebounding competition 42-28. NaLyssa smith led the way, with 15 boards. She was followed by Aliyah B.oston (17), Temi F.agbenle (10), forward Smith (12) and guard Kelsey Mitchell.

Clark was able to make 4-of-14 field shots and had six different Mercury defenders throughout the game. She passed well, which contributed greatly to the Fever’s win.

The game was a little chippy at times. Both teams were given five flagrant and two technical penalties.

“We always tell each other that we’re good. Stay here. Aliyah Boston, a forward from the team, said: “Pay attention to what you need to do. Don’t let that energy distract you. No matter if we are fouled or not, we must be ready for every game.

After starting the season with a 1-8 record in May, the Fever have won their first match since 2022. Indiana went 7-4 in June. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016.

Taurasi said of the Fever: “That’s a team that has been trying to get back to glory days, when Tamika Catchings played for them and they put up banners. “I find what Clark is doing at this moment for the team to be pretty impressive. “